Thursday, November 07, 2013
Pioneer Expands Line Of Serato Controllers With The DDJ-SB

Pioneer today unveiled a new addition to its "DDJ-S" Serato based line of controllers, the DDJ-SB, a more compact version of the company's popular DDJ-SX and the DDJ-SR.

The DDJ-SB 2-channel DJ controller is designed for the entry-level DJ who wants more basic operability and at a more affordable price. The DDJ-SB uses the Serato DJ Intro software and incorporates multiple performance pads, large jog wheels, and a new Filter Fade function.

The DDJ-SB offers a range of functions including the popular Performance Pads and new Filter Fade.

It is designed as an all-in-one system utilizing a 2-channel mixer and two decks that each feature a large jog wheel fine-tuned to provide users with the shortest latency. Four large rubber "performance pads" are found under each jog wheel to provide HOT CUE, AUTO LOOP, MANUAL LOOP, and SAMPLER functions, while a second row of rubberized pads offers the basic DJ functions, Play, Cue, Sync and Shift.

For smooth blending transitions when using the cross-fader, a new "Filter Fade" function can be turned on (via a button in the center of the mixer) even with music that has different styles. The high-pass filter of the left and right decks is linked with the actions of the cross-fader, and the deck's volume output automatically adjusts while applying the bass filter, resulting in natural sounding mix effects.

The controller is packaged with Serato DJ Intro software to provide basic DJ functionalities. An out-of-the-box experience with the software includes HOT CUE, SAMPLER and other effects. For expanded functionalities and effects, the controller can be used with Serato DJ (optional, paid software) offering users the ability to arrange tracks using Slip Mode, access various effect functions available from iZotope, and record tracks with DJ mixes using the record function.

The controller can be powered using a USB connection from a laptop. It has a built-in Sound Card (audio interface) and features grip handles on each side of it.

The DDJ-SB will be available in January 2014 with a suggested retail price of $299.